Mwanza, Malawi

Mwanza is a town in Malawi on the border with Mozambique. It is the administrative headquarters for Mwanza District.[2]

Mwanza
Mwanza
Location in Malawi
Coordinates: 15°35′55″S 34°31′04″E
Country Malawi
RegionSouthern Region
DistrictMwanza District
Elevation
2,054 ft (626 m)
Population
 (2018 Census[1])
 • Total18,039
Time zone+2
ClimateAw

Location

Mwanza is the largest commercial, political and administrative urban centre of Mwanza District, in the Southern Region of Malawi. It lies on the important road from Blantyre to Tete in Mozambique, approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi), by road, northwest of Blantyre, Malawi's commercial capital.[3] The geographical coordinates of Mwanza, Malawi are:15°35'55.0"S, 34°31'04.0"E (Latitude:-15.598611; Longitude:34.517778).[2] The town sits at an average elevation of 626 metres (2,054 ft) above sea level.[4]

Population

The national census and household survey conducted in 2018, enumerated the population of Mwanza, Malawi at 18,039 inhabitants. The majority of people in the town and the district belong to the Chewa ethnic group.[1]

Economy

The town is a market town for local produce, including honey, as well as a distribution market for commercial products and processed foods, such as maize flour. Mwanza also acts as a transshipment point for goods going down the Zambeze River via Tete. It is also a centre for smuggling.[5] In 2007, Ethiopian illegal immigrants were discovered hidden in an oil tanker at Mwanza, Malawi, at the border with Mozambique, on their way to South Africa. In July 2012, 49 Ethiopian and Somali nationals drowned in Lake Malawi when the boat in which they were attempting to cross the lake capsized. The group which started in Tanzania, had intended to cross into Mozambique and finally to South Africa.[6]

Infrastructure

Mwanza has an airstrip with a 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) long runway. It has both primary and secondary schools as well as a hospital. Mwanza District Hospital serves not only the local district, but also neighbouring Chikwawa District and Neno District in Malawi and the town of Zobue and Moatize District across the border in Mozambique.[7]

References
  1. Malawi National Statistical Office (May 2019). "2018 Population and Housing Census Main Report" (PDF). Lilongwe: Malawi National Statistical Office. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  2. Google (4 May 2020). "Location of Mwanza, Mwanza District, Southern Region, Malawi" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  3. Google (4 May 2020). "Distance Between Blantyre, Malawi And Mwanza, Malawi" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  4. Floodmap (4 May 2020). "Elevation of Mwanza, Malawi". Floodmap.net. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  5. Wezzie Nkhoma-Somba (26 August 2012). "ARVS Smuggled To South Africa". Kampala: Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD). Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  6. Felie Mzumara (16 July 2012). "Police Nab 4th Suspect, Charged With Manslaughter". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  7. Nyasa Times (26 July 2012). "Vice President Kachali Makes Surprise Visit To Mwanza District Hospital". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
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